Al-Azhar Grand Imam: Human Fraternity Document prioritizes refugee rights amid global need to restore human values

 

 

 

UNHCR: We look forward to strengthening cooperation with Al-Azhar to address the challenges facing refugees and displaced persons.

 

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, received Mr. Barham Salih—United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and former President of the Republic of Iraq—today, Tuesday, at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif headquarters, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.

 

 

The Grand Imam stated that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is making significant efforts to support and raise awareness of the rights of refugees and the displaced. That’s why this vital issue occupies a substantial portion of the Human Fraternity Document. He affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to cooperate with all relevant institutions to highlight these rights, in line with its global and social role.

 

 

His Eminence addressed the contemporary global situation, stating: “We had believed that the current era—as we were promised—would be an age of progress and prosperity, and that civilizational advancement would see the disappearance of war and slavery. Yet, the reality proved to be quite the opposite. Alongside modern scientific discoveries and the evolution of machinery across all sectors, the world turned toward arms manufacturing. The growth of this industry became inextricably linked to the creation of markets for its products—regardless of the resulting destruction, conflict, bloodshed, chaos, and devastation. All of this has led the world astray, as humanity turned away from divine guidance and the religious teachings that steer people and temper their base desires. The question today is: Is there any hope for humanity to return to the path of moderation?”

 

 

Mr. Barham Salih, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and visiting this historic site, a distinguished beacon of scholarship and a religious and academic institution held in deep affection, gratitude, and esteem by the entire nation, from East to West. He commended Al-Azhar’s role in promoting the values of moderation and balance, and in producing generations that carry a message of peace and coexistence to the entire world.

 

 

He stated: “We seek to strengthen cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to raise awareness regarding the rights of refugees and the displaced —particularly at a time of mounting pressures and challenges. These shared humanitarian concepts come to the fore in the effort to provide safety and sanctuary for those displaced and left without shelter, especially amidst the observed erosion of the moral value system and the disregard for humanitarian considerations.”

 

 

 

He noted that one of the most significant contemporary challenges lies in the international system’s ability to devise realistic and sustainable solutions for addressing issues concerning displaced persons and refugees. He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts among religious, cultural, and humanitarian institutions to confront these challenges.

 

 

 

Mr. Salih also addressed the risks posed by technology and social media in stoking negative sentiments toward refugees and migrants and portraying them unfairly—in a manner that infringes upon their human dignity. He invited the Grand Imam to participate this year in events marking the 75th anniversary of the UN’s refugee protection framework—a series of international activities and meetings aimed at raising awareness of refugee rights. He emphasized that the Grand Imam’s participation would be a significant contribution to these global humanitarian efforts.